Meningococcal Alert for Brisbane
Saturday 1 August 2026
MEDIA RELEASE – CONFIRMED CASE OF MENINGOCOCCAL
Metro North Public Health Unit (MNPHU) confirmed a case of invasive meningococcal disease in a university student who resides at St John’s College on the University of Queensland campus on Saturday 1 August 2026.
The student is receiving treatment at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and is in a stable condition.
MNPHU officers are working with St John’s College to provide advice and information to students and staff with the risk of further transmission considered low.
Students who are considered close contacts have been offered clearance antibiotics to get rid of the meningococcal bacteria from the nose and throat to help and prevent spread.
About meningococcal:
Meningococcal disease is a severe but uncommon infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria invade the body from the throat or nose.
At any given time, up to 1 in 4 healthy people are carriers of meningococcal bacteria. Although most people who have these bacteria in their throat or nose remain quite well, they can spread the bacteria to others, and some people may become unwell.
Those in close contact with a person with meningococcal disease have an increased, albeit low chance of developing the infection.
Cases of meningococcal disease tend to occur sporadically within the community. This case is likely to be an isolated one and the chance of any further linked cases within the community is very low.
People are encouraged to watch for symptoms of the disease and seek medical assistance immediately if they suspect the illness. Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness
- Joint pain and
- Rash of red-purple spots or bruises.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against invasive meningococcal disease. Students can check their meningococcal vaccination histories with their health provider or on MyGov.
If doses of vaccine have been missed, they may be eligible for free vaccination up until their 20th birthday.
ENDS